In a groundbreaking move aimed at restoring public trust and curbing corruption, the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassy Otu, has issued a stern directive requiring all local government chairmanship and councillorship aspirants to declare their assets before contesting in upcoming elections. This announcement, made public through a press release from the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Anthony Enoh, sets the stage for a more accountable political landscape in the state.
Governor Otu’s directive is rooted in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended), underscoring a commitment to transparency and accountability among public officials. “The assets declaration is designed to prevent corruption and conflicts of interest while fostering public trust in our elected officials,” the statement emphasized.
A significant aspect of this announcement is the warning that public officers who fail to declare their assets will face disqualification from elections and potential prosecution for false declarations. In line with Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act (2022, as amended), those currently in public office must resign at least 30 days prior to the elections.
“In accordance with the law, all civil and public officeholders contesting elections must declare their assets at the Code of Conduct Bureau, Federal Secretariat Complex, Calabar,” the release stated, urging strict compliance. This mandate comes as the state gears up for the highly anticipated Local Government Elections scheduled for November 2, 2024.
As these elections approach, stakeholders are calling for a fair, transparent, and inclusive electoral process. Advocacy for a 30% representation of women in elective positions at the grassroots level is gaining momentum, with community leaders warning against the common practice of handpicking candidates, which undermines democratic ideals.
During a virtual engagement titled "RESET," with the theme “Local Governance, Global Influence,” notable figures such as Chief Okoi Obono-Obla and Honorable Cletus Obun stressed the necessity for transparency and genuine democratic values. Obono-Obla urged Governor Otu to ensure that the people's votes truly count, condemning the influence of godfathers in candidate selection.
Honorable Obun emphasized the importance of electing leaders committed to protecting Cross River’s rich natural resources, highlighting the alarming rates of deforestation and illegal timber harvesting. He pointed fingers at some officials within the Cross River State Forestry Commission for allegedly engaging in unlawful timber dealings, raising concerns about environmental sustainability amidst global warming.
Adding to the discourse, Kunle Lawal, Executive Director at the Electoral College, criticized the factors that have eroded democracy in Cross River and Nigeria at large, including inadequate political education and widespread apathy. He urged Cross Riverians, particularly the youth, to take an active role in selecting their leaders, emphasizing the critical need for informed decision-making.
The RESET initiative, spearheaded by Emmanuel George, aims to instill democratic values within communities, ensuring that citizens understand their rights and responsibilities as voters. With the clock ticking down to the local elections, all eyes are on Cross River State as it navigates these pivotal change s in governance.
